At the Setting of the Sun
The narrative unfolds around a tragic love story marked by a fatal mistake. The protagonist, a young man, reflects on a fateful day when he accidentally shot his beloved while hunting. The setting is imbued with a sense of foreboding, as the protagonist warns others about the dangers of shooting at dusk, emphasizing the recklessness of his actions. The young man is consumed by guilt and sorrow, feeling the weight of his actions as he grapples with the loss of his true love. He expresses a desire to escape his homeland, unable to find solace or peace after the incident. The imagery of a bird in a nest symbolizes the innocence and vulnerability of his beloved, heightening the tragedy of the situation. In a haunting twist, the spirit of the young woman appears to him, resembling a white swan. She offers forgiveness, revealing that she has found peace in the afterlife. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of love's enduring nature, even in death. The protagonist is left to mourn, feeling that no one else can fill the void left by his lost love. As time passes, he remains in a state of longing and despair, unable to move on. He anticipates a reunion with his beloved in the afterlife, expressing a deep sense of devotion that transcends mortality. The narrative captures themes of love, loss, guilt, and the hope of eventual reconciliation, all set against a backdrop of nature's beauty and the inevitability of fate.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Ballad · 317 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. Come all you young fellows that carry a gun, Beware of late shooting when daylight is done; For 'tis little you reckon what hazards you run, I shot my true love at the setting of the sun In a shower of rain as my darling did hie All under the bushes to keep herself dry, With her head in her apron I thought her a swan, And I shot my true love at the setting of the sun.
What this Textopian page supports
At the Setting of the Sun is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Ballad, Folklore, Tragedy
- Length: 317 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the Setting of the Sun by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering At the Setting of the Sun?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Drowned Lover by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Three Graves A Fragment Of A Sextons Tale by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- A Maiden Sat A Weeping by Sabine Baring Gould
- Cold Blows The Wind Sweet Heart by Sabine Baring Gould
- Master by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Green Bushes by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and longing are central, reflecting the emotional depth typical of Romantic literature.
- Ballad — The narrative style and storytelling elements align with the traditional ballad form, recounting a tragic love story.
- Folklore — The themes and style suggest influences from folk traditions, often conveying moral lessons through storytelling.
Tags
tragedy · love · loss · forgiveness · regret · nature · shooting · swan · heartbreak · loneliness · death · romance